How To Stop the Monday Blues

November 11, 2015

Sundays mean different things to different people, but a good many of us will share a nagging feeling toward the middle of the day. It might start while you find yourself enjoying time with family and friends, or it could start as early as your first Sunday cup of coffee. By the time you go to bed on Sunday night, it’s sinking deeper into your bones like a dreaded virus, and by Monday morning, it’s a full-blown virus. We like to call it the Monday Blues.

Mondays can feel intensely stressful. We’re not just saying that: science will back us up on this one. After taking the weekend to decompress and relax, going back the grind of the week can feel incredibly woeful. Here are some helpful tips to help stave off those Monday blues:

1. GET ENOUGH REST

There’s nothing that makes Monday harder than starting with low energy. As much as you want to pack a lifetime into the weekend, try to taper off for a calm Sunday night. Getting to bed at a reasonable hour ensures you have enough rest under your belt before the week begins. It helps you keep a level head when Monday rolls around.

2. RESIST THE URGE TO STAY CONNECTED

Unless you’re specifically asked to work over the weekend, stay away from your work email.

Checking your inbox every few minutes every day you’re supposed to be resting prevents the brain from the break it so rightfully deserves. Put your phone in another room if you have to, but wait to check your email until you return to the office Monday. Whatever it is can usually wait until you get there.

3. PREPARE FOR MONDAY

From making your to-do list Friday before you leave the office to laying your clothes out Sunday evening, do everything you can to take the edge off Monday morning. Making breakfasts that are grab-and-go on Sunday afternoon, using slow cookers for an easy dinner Monday evening — take care of everything before you go to bed Sunday night. That way, if something unexpected happens, your basics are handled.

4. RESIST THE URGE TO OVERSTIMULATE

Loads of coffee and/or alcohol disturb your rest, which can leave you dehydrated and exhausted Monday morning. Try taking Sundays as calmer days. Read a good book, watch some television, or workout early in the day so you can soak in a warm bath the night before. Do everything you can to make Sunday as soothing as possible.

5. GIVE YOURSELF A REWARD

Nothing works like giving yourself something to look forward to on Monday evening when it’s all done.

Whether it’s watching a few episodes of your favorite TV show or a few minutes of uninterrupted quiet doing whatever you like, try rewarding yourself for making it through the day.

6. SPREAD THE LOVE TO OTHER DAYS OF THE WEEK

Don’t make the weekend the only fun time you have all week. If you try to do something enjoyable every day, Monday eventually just becomes just another day. Well, maybe not, but it can be less stressful.

7. EAT BREAKFAST

Do not — we repeat, DO NOT — skip breakfast Monday morning.

When stress levels are high and blood sugar levels are low, disaster is bound to ensue. Have a good, healthy breakfast, and the day will be much easier than if you hadn’t.

Also, one more tip: realize that if Mondays are really that bad, something in your life might be due for a change. Spend some time figuring out what needs to be altered, then seek resources that can help you change it. You don’t have to live with the Monday blues. Just take some steps to make it a brighter day.

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Now that your hope in Monday’s has been renewed, give your skin a renewed sense of hope with philosophy’s renewed hope in a jar.